Butterfly Primorac vs Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa: Which Should You Buy?
| Butterfly Primorac | Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| feel | medium, classic all-wood, long dwell and high control | stiff, minimal dwell |
| handle | FL/ST | Anatomic / Flared / Straight |
| plies | 5W (all wood) — Limba/Limba/Ayous/Limba/Limba | 7-ply: Koto outer + carbon + balsa core |
| speed | OFF- | OFF+ |
| thickness_mm | 6 | approx 6.0mm |
| weight_g | 85 | around 84g |
Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa
Check price on AmazonRead the full Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa review →
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.
Butterfly Primorac and Donic Waldner Black Devil Carbon Balsa represent opposite design philosophies and target distinctly different players. Primorac (5-ply all-wood, 85g) is a durable, classic control blade with long dwell, excellent feedback, and forgiving feel. It is versatile for looping, hitting, and blocking, works with varied rubbers, and suits developing intermediate attackers and all-rounders.
Waldner Black Devil (carbon-balsa composite, 84g) is a cutting-edge offensive machine with exceptional flat-drive and smash power. Its near-zero dwell time prioritizes pace over spin, and ultra-light weight reduces fatigue. However, it is fragile, has a smaller head, and is unforgiving — designed only for advanced attackers with consistent technique.
These should not be directly compared. Primorac is for players building fundamentals and seeking a long-term keeper blade. Waldner Black Devil is for elite flat-hitters willing to sacrifice dwell, forgiveness, and durability for maximum pace and minimal weight.
FAQ
Which is tougher?
Primorac by far. Waldner Black Devil’s koto and balsa veneers chip easily and require immediate edge tape. Primorac needs no special care.
Which generates more spin?
Primorac. Its long dwell and softer feel favor spin loops. Waldner Black Devil is designed for flat hits, not spin generation.
Can intermediates use Waldner Black Devil?
Not recommended. It is too demanding and fragile. Primorac is the intermediate choice for all-around, confidence-building play.
Why is Waldner so light?
Its balsa core is significantly lighter than standard woods, reducing weight to 84g while maintaining OFF+ speed. The trade-off is fragility and zero dwell.